Wet type buffing method, deposition plating method, work buffing method, work buffing apparatus, barrel buffing apparatus, work surface treating method, work supporting unit for barrel buffing apparatus, and buffing medium

ABSTRACT

A wet type buffing method is practiced such that a final buffing step is conducted in a buffing liquid having alkality and the remaining buffing steps are conducted in other buffing liquid having acidity. A work buffing apparatus is constructed such that a disconnection preventive member is disposed at the foremost end of a shaft for a work, the outside of a buffing wheel comes in contact with the disconnection preventive member, a tightening nut is threadably engaged with the buffing wheel, and the buffing wheel is tightly fixed to the shaft by displacing the tightening nut along the shaft. In addition, a surface treatment conducting method is practiced such that each surface treatment is conducted after a work is subjected to barrel buffing before or after the surface treatment. Additionally, a work supporting apparatus includes a buffing medium receiving container having a buffing medium received therein and a work supporting arm. Further, a buffing medium employable for a buffing apparatus is composed of grain of soft material or small block of the soft material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a wet type buffing method, adeposition plating method, a work buffing method, a work buffingapparatus, a barrel buffing apparatus, a work surface treating method, awork supporting unit for a barrel buffing apparatus, and a buffingmedium. Particularly, with respect to the deposition plating method, thepresent invention is applicable to a method of conducting depositionplating after a work is subjected to buffing, and moreover, with respectto the work buffing apparatus, the present invention is applicable to amethod of mounting a buffing wheel on the work buffing apparatus.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

First Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0004] The conventional wet type buffing method is exemplified by amethod of improving a buffing efficiency by using an acid buffing agentand a method of smoothly buffing a work by using an alkaline buffingagent.

[0005] However, with respect to the conventional buffing method asmentioned above, in the case that a buffing agent having acidity is usedlike the first-mentioned conventional buffing method, the buffingefficiency can be improved but there appears an inconvenience that it isappreciably difficult to smoothly buff each work. On the other hand, inthe case that a buffing agent having alkality is used like thelast-mentioned conventional buffing method, each work can smoothly bebuffed but an oxide film or the like remaining on the surface of thework can be removed from the work only with much difficulties. As aresult, there appears an inconvenience that it is difficult to improvethe buffing efficiency with the conventional buffing method.

Second Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0006] In the case that a deposition plating operation is performed witha work after this work is subjected to buffing, the conventional platingprocess is practiced in accordance with either one of the hithertoemployed methods as mentioned below. In detail, one (1) of the hithertoemployed methods is a method of conducting deposition plating aftercompletion of the dry type buffing operation, and other one (2) of thehitherto employed methods is a method of conducting deposition platingafter completion of a wet type buffing operation.

[0007] However, with respect to the first-mentioned conventional buffingmethod, since dry type buffing is employed as buffing means, the buffingtime can be shortened but the resultant buffed surface of the workexhibits poor surface roughness with a reduced degree of brightness.Consequently, there arises an inconvenience that the thickness of adeposition plated layer should be increased, and moreover, it ispractically difficult to improve the operational efficiency of eachdeposition plating operation performed for the work. In addition, withrespect to the last-mentioned conventional buffing method, since wettype buffing is employed as buffing means, a quantity of surfaceroughness attained by the conventional buffing method on completion ofeach buffing operation can improvably be elevated. As a result, thethickness of deposition plating can be reduced but the time required forperforming each buffing operation is undesirably elongated. For thisreason, an inconvenience arises in the same manner as mentioned abovesuch that it is practically difficult to improve the operationalefficiency attained by the deposition plating process with each buffedwork.

Third Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0008] Among the conventional work buffing methods, there is a wet typebuffing method which is practiced such that a work is subjected to drybuffing with the aid of a buffing wheel, and thereafter, the dry buffedsurface of the work is subjected to wet buffing.

[0009] However, when the conventional buffing method as mentioned aboveis employed for the purpose of buffing each work, this work is subjectedmerely to wet buffing in the presence of an acid detergent liquid. Forthis reason, there arises an inconvenience that dirty foreign mattersare removed from the surface of the work with some difficulty, andmoreover, it is practically difficult to remove an oxide film from thesurface of the work due to the substantially intense strengtheningachieved for the work in the presence of the acid detergent liquid.

Fourth Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0010] With the conventional wet type buffing method, the surface of awork to be buffed is subjected to wet buffing by using a buffing wheelwhile a buffing liquid is fed between the surface of the work to bebuffed and the rotating buffing wheel.

[0011] However, when the conventional buffing method as mentioned aboveis employed, the surface of the work to be buffed is oxidized duringeach buffing operation, causing an oxide film to be readily formed onthe work. As a result, there arises an inconvenience that it ispractically difficult to improve a quality of each buffing operation.

Fifth Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0012] With respect to a conventional work buffing apparatus, as shownin FIG. 3, an immovable engaging member 530 is disposed on the inside ofa buffing wheel 520 fitted onto a shaft 510, a tightening nut 540 isthreadably engaged with the outside of the buffing wheel 520, and thetightening nut 540 is threadably displaced along the shaft 510, causingthe buffing wheel 520 to be immovably tightened at the fore end part ofthe shaft 510. While the foregoing state is maintained, a work (forexample, wheel usable for vehicle or the like) W is subjected to buffingby rotation of the buffing wheel 520 about an axis line O of the shaft510.

[0013] However, when the conventional buffing apparatus as mentionedabove is employed, since the tightening nut 540 disposed on the shaft510 of the buffing wheel 520 is displaced along the fore end part of theshaft 510, this fore end part of the shaft 510 is caused to project fromthe outside surface of the buffing wheel 520 by a distance equal to thethickness of the tightening nut 540 plus the tightening distance. As aresult, the projected part of the shaft 510 becomes a kind ofobstruction for a buffing operation to be performed with the buffingwheel 520. Consequently, there arises an inconvenience that it ispractically difficult to improve the operational efficiency attained bythe buffing operation. Especially, in the case that a pair of buffingwheels 520 are arranged on shafts 510 in the opposing relationshiprelative to each other so as to allow a single kind of work W to besubjected to buffing as shown in FIG. 3, there arises an inconveniencethat the fore end parts of the shafts 510 projected from buffing wheels520 function as a kind of obstruction for preventing the buffing wheels520 from being displaced, resulting in each buffing operation beingperformed for the central part of the work W (rotational operation ofthe work W about an axis line of each shaft 510) with some difficult.

[0014] In addition, with the conventional buffing apparatus constructedin the above-described manner, since the buffing wheels 520 areimmovably mounted on the shafts 510 with the inside surfaces thereofserving as reference, the positions assumed by the fore end surfaces ofthe buffing wheels 520 are caused to vary in dependence on the thicknessof each buffing wheel 520. As a result, there arises an inconveniencethat it is practically difficult to determine the position assumed byeach buffing wheel 520 relative to the work W.

Sixth Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0015] With respect to the conventional barrel buffing apparatus, eachwork is subjected to buffing by allowing a buffing medium to flow in abuffing medium receiving container while the work is received in thebuffing medium receiving container.

[0016] However, with the conventional barrel buffing apparatusconstructed in the above-described manner, since an operational extentattained by the buffing medium is limited within a certain range by thebuffing medium, it is required that the buffing medium is replaced withother one in dependence on an object of each buffing operation, i.e., arough buffing step, an intermediate finish buffing step and a finalfinish buffing step, and alternatively, it is required that a pluralityof barrel buffing apparatuses each including a buffing medium selectedin such a manner as to match with a certain object of the conventionalbarrel buffing apparatus are preparatively arranged. At any rate, therearises an inconvenience that it is practically difficult to improve anoperational efficiency of each barrel buffing operation with theconventional barrel buffing apparatus.

Seventh Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0017] In fact, there is hitherto employed a technique for allowing thesurface of a work to be coated with a certain material after completionof each buffing operation.

[0018] However, with the foregoing conventional technique, each work issubjected to buffing merely by using operator's hands. Consequently,there arises an inconvenience that an operational extent attained byeach buffing operation readily fluctuates, resulting in each coatingoperation being unavoidably performed with some fluctuation. Inaddition, since it is required that burrs formed on the work because ofa necessity for correctly performing each coating operation are removedfrom the work, there arises an inconvenience that it is practicallydifficult to improve the operational efficiency attained by employingthe foregoing conventional technique.

Eighth Conventional Technique and its Drawbacks

[0019] With the conventional barrel buffing apparatus, each work issubjected to buffing by allowing a buffing medium to flow in a buffingmedium receiving container while the work is dipped in the buffingmedium received in the buffing medium receiving container.

[0020] However, with the conventional barrel buffing apparatus, sinceeach work is dipped in the barrel buffing medium received in the buffingmedium receiving container while it is seized with the aid of a certainseizing instrument, there arises an inconvenience that it is difficultto hold the work in the immovably seized state. In addition, therearises an convenience that it is difficult to attach the work to theseizing instrument and detach the work from the seizing instrument.Especially, in the case of a work having a large mass, thelast-mentioned inconvenience appears remarkably.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention has been made in order to eliminate theinconvenience inherent to the first conventional technique as mentionedabove. Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to providea wet type buffing method which assures that an operational efficiencyof each wet type buffing operation can be improved via a series ofbuffing steps, and consequently, each work can smoothly be buffed(hereinafter referred to as “a first invention”).

[0022] In addition, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the second conventionaltechnique as mentioned above. Therefore, a second object of the presentinvention is to provide a deposition plating method which assures thatthe thickness of a deposition plated layer can be reduced in excess ofthe thickness obtained by the conventional deposition plating method,each deposition plating process can quickly be practiced, andconsequently, an operational efficiency of each deposition platingoperation can be improved for each buffed work in association with thequick execution of the buffing process (hereinafter referred to as “asecond invention”).

[0023] Additionally, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the third conventional techniqueas mentioned above. Therefore, a third object of the present inventionis to provide a work buffing method which assures that dirty foreignmatters adhering to the surface of a work to be buffed and an oxide filmextending over the surface of the work can easily be removed,thereafter, the surface of the work to be buffed is subjected to drybuffing, and subsequently, the surface of the work can be subjected todry buffing (hereinafter referred to as “a third invention”).

[0024] Further, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the fourth conventionaltechnique as mentioned above. Therefore, a fourth object of the presentinvention is to provide a wet type buffing method which assures that thesurface of a work to be buffed is not oxidized during each buffingoperation, resulting in any oxide film being not formed on the surfaceof the work to be buffed, and consequently, a quality of each buffingoperation can be improved in excess of the quality obtainable byperforming the conventional buffing operation (hereinafter referred toas “a fourth invention”).

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the fifth conventional techniqueas mentioned above. Therefore, a fifth object of the present inventionis to provide a work buffing apparatus which assures that any projectedpart is hardly formed on the outside surface of a buffing wheel in theabsence of foreign matters each undesirable for performing a buffingoperation, and consequently, an operational efficiency of each buffingoperation can easily be improved (hereinafter referred to as “a fifthinvention”).

[0026] Moreover, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the six conventional techniqueas mentioned above. Therefore, a sixth object of the present inventionis to provide a barrel buffing apparatus which assures that a roughbuffing operation can initially be performed with a high intensity ofpressure generated by the feeding of a single kind of buffing medium,and thereafter, an intermediate buffing step and a finish buffing stepcan sequentially be practiced as the intensity of feeding pressuregenerated by the feeding of the buffing medium is gradually reduced(hereinafter referred to as “a sixth invention”).

[0027] In addition, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the seventh conventionaltechnique as mentioned above. Therefore, a seventh object of the presentinvention is to provide a work surface treating method which assuresthat an operational efficiency of each surface treatment can easily beimproved (hereinafter referred to as “a seventh invention).

[0028] Additionally, the present invention has been made in order toeliminate the inconvenience inherent to the eighth conventionaltechnique as mentioned above. Therefore, an eighth object of the presentinvention is to provide an apparatus for supporting a work for a barrelbuffing apparatus which assures that a work having a large mass caneasily be attached thereto and detached therefrom, and an operationalefficiency of each barrel buffing operation can be improved (hereinafterreferred to as “an eighth invention” and “a ninth invention”).

Structure of the Invention and Advantageous Effects

[0029] According to the first invention of the present invention, thewet type buffing method including a series of wet type buffing steps inthe combined state is practiced such that a final buffing step in theplural buffing steps is conducted by using a buffing liquid havingalkality, and moreover, other buffing steps before the final buffingstep are conducted by using a buffing liquid having acidity.

[0030] With this wet type buffing method, a buffing efficiencyobtainable by the buffing step before the final buffing step having noinfluence on a final product can be improved, and moreover, each workcan smoothly be buffed during the final buffing step having substantialinfluence on the final product.

[0031] Therefore, when this wet type buffing method is employed, anefficiency of each buffing operation can be improved during a series ofbuffing steps, and finally, each work can smoothly be subjected tobuffing.

[0032] According to the second invention of the present invention, thedeposition plating method is practiced such that each work is subjectedto wet buffing, and thereafter, deposition plating is conducted on thesurface of the work to be buffed. Thus, after the work is quickly buffedduring the dry type buffing step, a quality of surface roughness of thework is elevated during the wet type buffing step, and thereafter,deposition plating is conducted for the work in accordance with thedeposition plating method.

[0033] Therefore, when this deposition plating method is employed, athickness of the deposition plated layer can be reduced in excess of thethickness of the plated layer formed in accordance with the conventionaldeposition plating method, whereby the deposition plating step canquickly be conducted. As a result, an operational efficiency of eachdeposition plating operation performed for each buffed work can beimproved in association with quick execution of the buffing step.

[0034] According to the third invention of the present invention, thework buffing method is practiced such that each work is subjected to drybuffing after a surface of the work to be buffed is subjected to barrelbuffing, and thereafter, the work is subjected to wet buffing. Thus,dirty foreign matters adhering to the surface of the work to be buffedand an oxide film extending over the whole surface of the work caneasily be removed prior to steps to be conducted subsequent to the drybuffing and the wet buffing.

[0035] Therefore, when this work buffing method is employed, the surfaceof the work to be buffed can be subjected to dry buffing after dirtyforeign matters adhering to the surface of the work to be buffed and anoxide film extending over the whole surface of the work are easilyremoved, and thereafter, the work can be subjected to wet buffing.

[0036] Incidentally, when barrel buffing is conducted as a step to bepracticed after the dry buffing, wet buffing can be conducted after theoxide film formed when the dry buffing is conducted as well as thebuffing refuse adhering to the surface of the work are removed from thework. Consequently, each wet type buffing operation can be performed ata high efficiency, and moreover, concave parts or the like remaining onthe surface of the work, for which any buffing operation can notpractically be achieved with buffing wheels during the dry buffing stepcan be subjected to buffing can be subjected to buffing.

[0037] In addition, when barrel buffing is conducted as a step to bepracticed after completion of the dry buffing and the wet buffing, eachwet buffing operation can be performed after the oxide film formedduring the dry buffing step as well as the buffing refuse adhering tothe surface of the work are removed from the work, and moreover, concaveparts or the like remaining on the surface of the work, for which anybuffing operation can not practically be performed with buffing wheelsduring the dry buffing step, can be subjected to buffing.

[0038] According to the fourth invention of the present invention, thewet type buffing method wherein each work is buffed with the aid ofbuffing wheels while a buffing agent is fed between the buffing surfaceof each buffing wheel and the surface of the work to be buffed ispracticed such that each buffing operation is performed under the vacuumatmosphere or under the nitrogen gas atmosphere. Thus, the surface ofthe work to be buffed can be held under the vacuum atmosphere or underthe nitrogen gas atmosphere during each buffing operation. Therefore,when the wet type buffing method is employed, the surface of the work tobe buffed is not oxidized during each buffing operation, resulting inany oxide film being not formed on the surface of the work to be buffed.As a result, a quality of buffing operation can be improved in excess ofthe quality of buffing operation obtainable by the conventional wet typebuffing method.

[0039] Incidentally, with this wet type buffing method, when the surfaceof the work to be buffed is subjected to buffing while nitrogen gas isblown to the surface of the work to be buffed, the nitrogen atmospherecan be formed on the surface of the work to be buffed without anynecessity for covering the surface of the work to be buffed with acasing or the like.

[0040] Therefore, when this wet type buffing method is employed, anyformation of the oxide film on the surface of the work can reliably beprevented by using a simple unit.

[0041] According to the fifth invention of the present invention, thework buffing apparatus including a shaft fitted to each buffing wheel soas to allow a work to be buffed while the shaft is rotated about itsaxis line is constructed such that a disconnection preventive member isdisposed at the foremost end of the shaft, the outside of the buffingwheel is brought in contact with the disconnection preventive member, atightening nut is threadably engaged with the inside of the buffingwheel mounted on the shaft, and the buffing wheel is immovably fixed tothe shaft by threadably displacing the tightening nut relative to theshaft. Thus, in contrast with the conventional work buffing apparatus,there does not arise a necessity for disposing the tightening nut on theoutside surface of the buffing wheel and maintaining a tighteningdistance for the tightening nut.

[0042] Therefore, when this work buffing apparatus is employed, anyprotruded part is not formed from the outside surface of the buffingwheel with the result that the presence of any undesirable substance forpreventing each buffing operation from being correctly performed is notrecognized on the work buffing apparatus. Consequently, an operationalefficiency of each buffing operation can be improved. Especially, in thecase that a single work is subjected to buffing while a pair of buffingwheels are mounted on the shafts in the opposing relationship relativeto each other with the single work maintained therebetween, there doesnot occur a malfunction that displacement of each buffing wheel isinhibitively hindered due to collision of the foremost ends of theshafts with each other. Thus, the central part of each work cansufficiently be subjected to buffing.

[0043] In addition, since the position assumed by each buffing wheelrelative to the shaft is definitely determined on the basis of theoutside surface of the buffing wheel, the outside surface of the buffingwheel is caused to positionally vary depending on the thickness of thebuffing wheel. As a result, the position assumed by the buffing wheelrelative to the work can easily be determined.

[0044] In addition, when a diameter enlarged part is formed around theperiphery of a shaft hole formed on the outside of the buffing wheel soas to enable the disconnection preventive member to be fully received inthe diameter enlarged part of the buffing wheel, the outside surface ofthe buffing wheel can be caused to coincide with the foremost end of theshaft. As a result, each buffing operation can more easily be performed,and moreover, the position assumed by the buffing wheel relative to thework can more easily be determined.

[0045] According to the sixth invention of the present invention, thebarrel buffing apparatus is constructed such that this apparatusincludes a buffing medium receiving container having a buffing mediumreceived therein and a work adapted to be vibratively displaced, thebuffing medium receiving container includes an upper end opening, abuffing medium feeding port is formed at the bottom part of the buffingmedium receiving container, the work is located below the buffing mediumfeeding port, and the buffing medium received in the buffing mediumreceiving container can continuously be fed to the work while this workis vibratively displaced. Thus, an intensity of feeding pressure actingon the work is gradually reduced, as the buffing medium is increasinglydischarged from the buffing medium receiving container.

[0046] With such construction, when this barrel buffing apparatus isemployed, a rough buffing operation can be performed during the initialperiod of time when a single kind of buffing medium is fed to the workat a high intensity of feeding pressure, and additionally, a series ofsteps comprising an intermediate finish buffing step and a final finishbuffing step can continuously be practiced as the intensity of feedingpressure of the buffing medium is gradually reduced.

[0047] Further, since the buffing medium is caused to naturally falldown, it is easily introduced into hole portions formed on the work. Asa result, the hole portions on the work can more adequately be subjectedto buffing.

[0048] Moreover, since the feeding of the buffing medium to the surfaceof the work is achieved in dependence on the natural falling-down of thebuffing medium, few noisy sound is generated from the barrel buffingapparatus, and moreover, a quantity of consumption of energy can bereduced with the barrel buffing apparatus.

[0049] Incidentally, when a guide sleeve is arranged between the feedingport of the buffing medium receiving container and the surface of thework, the feeding of the buffing medium to the work can be achievedwithout any particular loss.

[0050] In addition, when the guide sleeve is vibrated integrally withthe work, the feeding of the buffing medium to the work can moresmoothly be achieved.

[0051] Additionally, when the buffing medium received in the buffingmedium receiving container can be compressed by actuating suitablemeans, an operational extent attained by each buffing operationperformed for the work can be changed.

[0052] According to the seventh invention of the present invention, thework surface treating method is practiced such that the work issubjected to buffing before surface treatment or after surfacetreatment, and thereafter, this surface treatment is conducted with theuse of a barrel buffing apparatus. Thus, an operational extent attainedby each buffing operation can be uniformalized, and moreover, anyformation of burrs on the work is not recognized on the surface of thework. Consequently, each surface treatment can easily be achieved as apost-step.

[0053] Therefore, when this work surface treatment method is employed,an operational efficiency attained by each surface treatment can easilybe improved.

[0054] Incidentally, when each barrel buffing operation is performedwith the use of a barrel buffing apparatus of the type which isconstructed such that this apparatus includes a buffing medium receivingcontainer having a buffing medium received therein and a work adapted tobe vibratively displaced, the buffing medium receiving containerincludes an upper end opening, a buffing medium feeding port is formedon the bottom part of the buffing medium receiving container, the workis located below the buffing medium feeding port, and the buffing mediumcan continuously be fed to the surface of the work while this work isvibratively displaced, an intensity of feeding pressure acting on thework is gradually reduced as the buffing medium is increasinglydischarged from the buffing medium receiving container. Consequently, arough buffing operation can be performed during the initial period oftime when a high intensity of feeding pressure acts on a single kind ofbuffing medium, and moreover, a series of operational steps comprisingan intermediate finish buffing step and a final finish buffing step cancontinuously be conducted with the barrel buffing apparatus.

[0055] In addition, when each barrel buffing operation is performed withthe use of a barrel buffing apparatus of the type which is constructedsuch that this apparatus includes a buffing medium receiving containerhaving a buffing medium received therein and a work supporting arm, thebuffing medium receiving container includes an upper end opening, andthe fore end part of the work supporting arm can be turned within therange defined by the buffing medium receiving container from theposition located substantially directly above the buffing mediumreceiving container, the work can be attached to the work supporting armand detached from the same while the fore end part of the worksupporting arm is located directly above the upper end opening of thebuffing medium receiving container. Therefore, each work having a largemass can be attached to the work supporting arm and detached from thesame.

[0056] Additionally, when the work supporting arm is turned in thehorizontal direction, the work can easily be located at an adequateposition located in the buffing medium receiving container.

[0057] Further, when the work supporting arm can forwardly andbackwardly be displaced in the axial direction, the work can bedisplaced to assume a low position when it is attached to the worksupporting arm and detached from the same. Thus, attachment of the workto the work supporting arm and detachment of the work from the same canmore easily be conducted.

[0058] Incidentally, the surface treatment is conducted in the form of,e.g., coating, plating, alumite treatment or the like, and the work istypically exemplified by a wheel usable for a vehicle or the like.

[0059] According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus for supporting a work for a barrel buffing apparatus isconstructed such that this apparatus includes a buffing medium receivingcontainer having a buffing medium received therein and a work supportingarm, the buffing medium receiving container includes an upper endopening, and the fore end part of the work supporting arm can turnablybe displaced within the range defined by the buffing medium receivingcontainer from the position located substantially directly above theupper end opening of the buffing medium receiving container. Thus, sinceeach work can be attached to the work supporting arm and detached fromthe same while the fore end part of the work supporting arm is locateddirectly above the upper end opening of the buffing medium receivingcontainer, each work having a large mass can easily be attached to thework supporting arm and detached from the same.

[0060] Therefore, when this apparatus for supporting a work for a barrelbuffing apparatus is employed, an operational efficiency attained byeach barrel buffing operation can be improved.

[0061] In addition, when the work supporting arm is turnably displacedin the horizontal direction, the work can easily be located at anadequate position in the buffing medium receiving container.

[0062] Additionally, when the work supporting arm is forwardly andbackwardly displaced in the axial direction, each work can be dislocatedto assume a low position when the work is attached to the arm supportingarm and detached from the same. Thus, the work can more easily beattached to the work supporting arm and detached from the same.

[0063] Incidentally, when soft material such as sponge, rubber, softplastic or the like is used for the buffing medium in the form of grainor small block, a finish buffing step can be practiced at a highefficiency. Further, a soft material may be coated on the surface ofhard grain or hard small block so as to allow it to be used as a buffingmedium.

[0064] According to the ninth invention of the present invention, theapparatus for supporting a work for a barrel buffing apparatus isconstructed such that this apparatus includes a buffing medium receivingcontainer having a buffing medium received therein and a work supportingarm, the buffing medium receiving container includes an upper endopening, the work supporting arm is arranged at the position tortuouslylocated relative to a rotational shaft, the work supporting arm canturnably be displaced about the rotational shaft within the range ofabout 180° from the buffing medium receiving container, and the fore endpart of the work supporting arm assumes a downwardly inclined state inthe forward direction when the work supporting arm is located on thebuffing medium receiving container side. Thus, when the work supportingarm is turned about the rotational shaft to assume the position locatedopposite to the buffing medium receiving container side, the workmounted at the fore end part of the work supporting arm can easily beattached to the work supporting arm and detached from the same. Inaddition, when the work supporting arm is turned about the rotationalshaft to assume the position located on the buffing medium receivingcontainer side, the work supporting arm is downwardly inclined in theforward direction, whereby the work is dipped in the buffing mediumreceived in the buffing medium receiving container, causing the work tobe subjected to barrel buffing.

[0065] Consequently, when the apparatus for supporting a work for abarrel buffing apparatus is employed, each work having a large mass caneasily be attached to the work supporting arm and detached from thesame. Thus, the operational efficiency attained by the barrel buffingoperation can be improved.

[0066] In addition, provided that the work supporting arm can forwardlyand backwardly be dislocated in the axial direction, each work can bedislocated to assume a low position when it is attached to the worksupporting shaft and detached from the same. Thus, the work can moreeasily be attached to the work supporting shaft and detached from thesame.

[0067] Additionally, provided that the tortuous angle of the worksupporting arm relative to the rotational shaft can be adjusted, thebuffing efficiency can be adjusted corresponding to the work, andmoreover, the height assumed by the work supporting arm for allowing thework to be attached to the work supporting arm and detached from thesame can be adjusted corresponding to an operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a series of steps for practicinga wet type buffing method in accordance with a first invention of thepresent invention.

[0069]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wet type buffing apparatusin accordance with the first invention of the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing a buffing apparatusoperable in accordance with a fifth conventional technique.

[0071]FIG. 4 is a front sectional view showing a buffing apparatusoperable in accordance with a fifth invention of the present invention.

[0072]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the buffingapparatus operable in accordance with the fifth invention of the presentinvention.

[0073]FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a buffing apparatus operable inaccordance with a sixth invention of the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a barrel buffing apparatusoperable in accordance with a first embodiment of a seventh invention ofthe present invention.

[0075]FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a barrel buffing apparatusoperable in accordance with a second embodiment of the seventh inventionof the present invention.

[0076]FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a work supporting unit for abarrel buffing apparatus operable in accordance with an eighth inventionof the present invention.

[0077]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a work supporting unitemployable for a barrel buffing apparatus operable in accordance with anembodiment of a ninth invention of the present invention.

[0078]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an attached/detached stateassumed by the barrel buffing apparatus shown in FIG. 10.

[0079]FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a forward/rearwarddisplacing mechanism employable for a work supporting arm arranged onthe work supporting unit shown in FIG. 10.

[0080]FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing a rotating mechanismemployable for a reversing plate arranged on the work supporting unitshown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] Now, the present invention will be described in detailhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustratepreferred embodiments thereof.

Embodiment of First Invention

[0082]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a wet type buffing method to bepracticed according to the present invention, and this buffing method ispracticed by way of a series of wet type buffing steps.

[0083] A step A represents a rough buffing step, a step B represents afinish buffing step, and a step C represents a final finish buffingstep.

[0084] These steps A, B and C will be described below with reference toFIG. 2. In the drawing, reference numeral 101 designates a supportingboard, and reference numeral 111 designates a supporting shaft arrangedalong the axis line of the supporting board. The supporting board 101 isrotated about the supporting shaft 111 with the use of suitable means(not shown) in the direction identified by an arrow mark. Referencecharacter W designates a plate-like work, and this plate-like work isplaced on the upper surface of the supporting board 101. In the showncase, the work W serves as a surface to be buffed (hereinafter referredto as a buffing surface).

[0085] Next, reference numeral 102 designates a first rotational drivingunit, and this first rotational driving unit 102 includes a drivingpower source such as a motor or the like. Reference numeral 121designates a rotational shaft, and this rotational shaft 121 is arrangedin the rotational driving unit 102 while extending therefrom Therotational shaft 121 is rotated about the axis line by the motor or thelike as mentioned above. Reference numeral 122 designates a firstbuffing wheel, and this first buffing wheel 122 is immovably attached tothe foremost end of the rotational shaft 121. The first buffing wheel122 serves to buff the work W with a buffing surface 1221 coincidentwith the bottom surface thereof while it is rotated. At this time,buffing liquid is fed between the buffing surface of the rotatingbuffing wheel 122 and the buffing surface of the work W. In the casethat the final finish buffing step C is practiced, the buffing liquid tobe used therefor is alkaline. On the contrary, in the case that stepsother than the step C, i. e., the rough buffing step A and the finishbuffing step B are practiced, the buffing liquid is acid.

[0086] In addition, reference numeral 103 designates a second rotationaldriving unit, and this second rotational driving unit 103 includes adriving power source such as a motor or the like in the same manner asthe first rotational driving unit 102. Reference numeral 131 designatesa rotational shaft, and this rotational shaft 131 is rotated about theaxis line by the power given by the motor or the like. Reference numeral132 designates a second buffing wheel, and this second buffing wheel 132is immovably attached to the foremost end of the rotational shaft 131.The second buffing wheel 132 serves to buff the work W with a buffingsurface 1321 coincident with the bottom surface thereof. At this time,buffing liquid is fed between the buffing surface of the rotating secondbuffing wheel 122 and the buffing surface of the work W. Sinceproperties of the buffing liquid employable for the second buffing wheel122 are same to those of the first buffing wheel 122, repeateddescription is herein omitted for the purpose of simplification.

[0087] Incidentally, since the first buffing wheel 122 and the secondbuffing wheel 132 are rotated in the opposite direction relative to eachother, the buffing surface of the work W is subjected to buffing in thereciprocal direction.

Embodiment of Second Invention

[0088] This second invention will be described below with respect to anembodiment thereof on the assumption that an aluminum wheel is employedas a work.

[0089] Firstly, the aluminum wheel is heated in hot water at atemperature of about 80° C., and then, it is subjected to dry buffing byemploying the ordinary method. Thereafter, the aluminum wheel issubjected to wet buffing while maintaining the working state representedby a temperature of about 30° C.

[0090] After the buffing operation is completed, the aluminum wheel issubjected to deposition plating by employing the ordinal depositionplating method. Any type of deposition plating such as chromiumdeposition plating, titanium deposition plating or the like may beemployed for the aluminum wheel. It should be noted that the thicknessof a film formed by the deposition plating generally remains within therange from about 0.1 μm to 0.2 μm. When the deposition plating is usedin place of the conventional chromium plating, there does not arise anecessity for carrying out the waste liquid treatment which isunavoidably required when the conventional plating method is used. As aresult, an efficiency of the plating operation can be improved.

Embodiment of Third Invention

[0091] For example, an aluminum wheel usable for a vehicle or the likecan be noted as a work employable for carrying out this third invention.However, the third invention should not be limited only to the aluminumwheel as a work but all products each usable as a work are involved inthe concept of the work in the third invention.

[0092] Usually, a wet type buffing method or a dry type buffing methodfor buffing the buffing surface of a work in the presence of a buffingagent is employed as a buffing method in the third invention. In thiscase, the number of buffs usable for carrying out the third inventionmay be limited only to one. Alternatively, a plurality of buffs may beused for carrying out the third invention. Incidentally, a buff wheelcan be noted as one example which represents the buff.

[0093] To carry out the third embodiment, an ordinary wet type buffingmethod and an ordinary dry type buffing method can be employed forpracticing the wet type buffing method and the dry type buffing methodwherein the surface of a work is subjected to buffing in the presence ofa buffing agent fed between the buffing surface of the work and theworking surface of the buff wheel.

[0094] In addition, to carry out the third invention, any type of barrelbuffing method such as a fluid barrel buffing method, a vibration barrelbuffing method or the like can be used as a barrel buffing method.Additionally, any type of usually used buffing agent such as ceramicgrain or the like can be employed as a buffing agent.

[0095] Further, the barrel buffing operation performed as a preliminarystep for the dry type buffing step can be used as a so-called roughbuffing operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the barrel buffing operation performed as apreliminary step for the wet type buffing operation exhibits the sameoperational effect as that of the dry type buffing operation, andtherefore, it can be used as a so-called intermediate buffing step.

[0097] Moreover, the barrel buffing operation performed as a post-stepfor the wet type buffing operation exhibits the same operational effectas that of the wet type buffing operation, and therefore, it can be usedas a so-called finish buffing step.

Embodiment of Fourth Invention

[0098] For example, an aluminum wheel for a vehicle or the like can benoted as a work employable for carrying out a fourth invention. However,the fourth invention should not be limited only to the aluminum wheelbut all types of products are involved in the concept of a work.

[0099] To carry out the fourth invention, an ordinary wet type buffingmethod can be used as a wet type buffing method wherein the buffingsurface of a work is subjected to buffing in the presence of a buffingagent fed between the buffing surface of the work and the workingsurface of a buff. In this case, the number of buffs may be limited toone but a plurality of buffs may be used for carrying out the fourthinvention. In addition, a usually used buffing liquid can be employed asa buffing liquid.

[0100] To assure that the buffing surface of a work is held in thevacuum atmosphere, it is recommendable that, for example, the wholebuffing apparatus is covered with a casing or the like, and thereafter,the interior of the casing is evacuated by driving a vacuum pump so asto assume the desired vacuum state. Alternatively, only the buffingsurface of a work may be covered with a casing of the type as mentionedabove.

[0101] In addition, to assure that the buffing surface of a work is heldin the nitrogen gas atmosphere, it is sufficient that the interior ofthe casing is filled with nitrogen gas.

[0102] Incidentally, nitrogen gas may be fed to the buffing surface of awork by ejection instead of the concept that the buffing surface of thework is covered with a casing of the aforementioned type of whichinterior is filled with nitrogen gas.

Embodiment of Fifth Invention

[0103]FIG. 4 shows a buffing apparatus constructed in accordance with anembodiment of a fifth invention. In the drawing, reference character Wdesignates a wheel usable for a vehicle or the like, and this wheel Wcorresponds to a work in the fifth invention. The wheel W usable for avehicle or the like can be rotated about an axis line O by drivingsuitable means (not shown).

[0104] Reference numeral 510 designates a pair of shafts, and theseshafts 510 are arranged above the wheel W usable for a vehicle or thelike. The shafts 510 are rotated about an axis line by driving suitabledriving means (not shown). In addition, the shafts 510 can forwardly orbackwardly be displaced in the axial direction or in the direction ofwidth as seen in the drawing, and additionally, they can vibratively bedisplaced within the short range. Further, the shafts 510 can turnablybe displaced in the horizontal direction or in the vertical directionwith their bottom part used as a fulcrum.

[0105] In the drawing, reference numeral 511 designates a pair of smalldiameter portions, and these small diameter portions 511 are formed atthe fore end parts of the shafts 510. In addition, reference numeral 512designates a pair of bolt portions. Tightening nuts 540 are threadablyfitted to the bolt portions 512. A function exhibited by the tighteningnuts 540 will be described later. Reference numeral 520 designates apair of buffing wheels, and these buffing wheels 520 are insertedthrough the small diameter portions 511. The buffing wheels 520 are usedas ordinary buffing wheels, and flange portions 522 and 523 areintegrally formed at the opposite ends of boss portions 522 so thatcircular disc-like buffing wheels 524 are clamped between the flangeportions 522 and the flange portions 523.

[0106] Reference numeral 550 designates a pair of disconnectionpreventive pins (corresponding to “disconnection preventive members inthe fifth invention), and these disconnection preventive pins 550 arefitted through the foremost ends of the small diameter portions 511formed on the shafts 510. The disconnection preventive pins 550 are usedfor the purpose of preventing the buffing wheels 520 from beingdisconnected from the small diameter portions 511 of the shafts 510.

[0107] As the tightening nuts 540 are threadably displaced in thedirection oriented toward the buffing wheels 520, these buffing wheels520 are firmly tightened, and moreover, immovably fixed with the aid ofthe disconnection preventive pins 550.

[0108] When the central part of the flange portion 523 is formed in therecessed contour as shown in FIG. 5, the disconnection preventive pin550 can be received in a recessed part 5231 (corresponding to a“diameter enlarged part” in the fifth invention), whereby the fore endsurface (outside surface) of the buffing wheel 520 is caused to coincidewith the fore end of the shaft 510. As a result, each buffing operationcan more easily be achieved, and moreover, the position assumed by thebuffing wheel 520 relative to the wheel W usable for a vehicle can moreeasily be determined.

[0109] Incidentally, the shafts 510 can intermittently be rotated(relative to the rotation of the wheel 520 usable for a vehicle aboutthe axis line O) in the normal direction as well as in the reversedirection.

Embodiment of Sixth Invention

[0110] In FIG. 6, reference numeral 610 designates a buffing mediumreceiving container for a barrel buffing apparatus 64. A buffing medium(aggregate) 620 is received in the buffing medium receiving container610. Incidentally, any kind of usually used buffing medium such asceramic grain or the like can be employed for the buffing medium 620.

[0111] Reference numeral 611 designates an upper end opening which isformed at the upper end of the buffing medium receiving container 610,and the interior of the buffing medium receiving container 610 iscommunicated with the atmosphere via the upper end opening 610.

[0112] Reference numeral 612 designates a buffing medium feeding portwhich is formed at the bottom part of the buffing medium receivingcontainer 610. The buffing medium 620 received in the buffing mediumreceiving container 610 is caused to naturally fall down via the buffingmedium feeding port 612. An intensity of pressure generated by thefalling buffing medium 620 at this time is gradually reduced as thebuffing medium 620 is increasingly removed from the buffing mediumreceiving container 610.

[0113] Reference numeral 630 designates a guide sleeve, and the guidesleeve 630 is fitted to the bottom of the buffing medium receivingcontainer 610 from the outside in such a manner as to enable it to berotated. In addition, reference numeral 631 designates a trumpet-likesleeve, and this trumpet-like sleeve 631 is arranged at the lower end ofthe guide sleeve 630 so as to constitute a part of the guide sleeve 630.A function of the guide sleeve 630 will be described later.

[0114] Reference character W designates a wheel usable for a vehicle orthe like (corresponding to a “work” in the sixth invention), and thewheel W is received in the inside of the trumpet-like sleeve 631 withoutany substantial gap remaining therebetween. Incidentally, the guidesleeve 630 inclusive of the trumpet-like sleeve 631 is integrallyrotated and vibrated when the wheel W usable for a vehicle or the likeis rotated.

[0115] When the buffing medium 620 is caused to naturally fall down fromthe grinding medium receiving container 610 while the wheel W usable fora vehicle or the like is vibratively rotated, the buffing medium 620continuously reaches the surface of the wheel W via the guide sleeve 30without any substantial gap remaining therebetween. Thereafter, thebuffing medium 620 is discharged in the downward direction via aplurality of holes 651 and 652 while the surface of the wheel W issubjected to buffing.

[0116] As mentioned above, as the buffing medium 620 is increasinglyremoved from the buffing medium receiving container 610, the intensityof feeding pressure acting on the wheel W usable for a vehicle or thelike is gradually reduced. Thus, the surface of the wheel W can bebuffed during the initial time when a high intensity of feeding pressureacts on the surface of the wheel W regardless of a single kind ofbuffing medium used for each buffing operation. In addition, anintermediate buffing step and a finish buffing step can continuously bepracticed for the surface of the wheel W usable for a vehicle or thelike, as the intensity of feeding pressure generated by the buffingmedium 620 is gradually reduced.

[0117] After the buffing medium 620 is completely discharged in the zonelocated below the wheel W usable for a vehicle or the like, i.e., afterthe interior of the buffing medium receiving container 610 becomesempty, the buffing medium 610 is removed again in the buffing mediumreceiving container 610. Then, the buffing medium 610 can repeatedly beused for continuously practicing a rough buffing step, an intermediatebuffing step and a finish buffing step.

Embodiment of Seventh Invention

[0118]FIG. 7 shows a barrel buffing apparatus constructed in accordancewith a first embodiment of a seventh invention.

[0119] In FIG. 7, reference numeral 710 designates a buffing mediumreceiving container for a barrel buffing apparatus 74. A buffing medium(aggregate) 720 is received in the buffing medium receiving container710. Incidentally, any kind of usually used buffing medium such asceramic grain or the like can be employed for the buffing medium 720.

[0120] Reference numeral 711 designates an upper end opening formed atthe upper end of the buffing medium receiving container 710, and theinterior of the buffing medium receiving container 710 is communicatedwith the atmosphere via the upper end opening 711.

[0121] Reference numeral 712 designates a buffing medium feeding port,and this buffing medium feeding port 712 is formed at the bottom part ofthe buffing medium receiving container 710. A buffing medium 72contained in the buffing medium receiving container 710 is caused tonaturally fall down via the buffing medium feeding port 712. Theintensity of pressure generated by the falling-down of the buffingmedium 720 is gradually reduced as the buffing medium 720 isincreasingly removed from the buffing medium receiving container 710.

[0122] Reference numeral 730 designates a guide sleeve, and this guidesleeve 730 is fitted to the bottom part of the buffing medium receivingcontainer 710 in such a manner as to enable the guide sleeve 730 to berotated. In addition, reference numeral 731 designates a trumpet-likesleeve, and this trumpet-like sleeve constitutes a part of the guidesleeve 730 arranged at the lower part of the guide sleeve 730. Afunction of the guide sleeve 730 will be described later.

[0123] Reference character W designates an aluminum wheel usable for avehicle or the like (corresponding to a “work” in the seventhinvention). This wheel W can be rotated around an axis line 0 while itis vibrated. Incidentally, when the wheel W is rotated, the guide sleeve730 inclusive of the trumpet-like sleeve 731 is vibratively rotated.

[0124] When the buffing medium 72 is caused to naturally fall down fromthe buffing medium receiving container 710 toward the surface of thewheel W while this wheel W is vibratively rotated, the buffing medium720 continuously reaches the surface of the wheel W via the guide sleeve730 with any substantial gap between the buffing medium receivingcontainer 710 and the guide sleeve 730. The buffing medium 720 isdischarged in the downward direction via a plurality of holes 751 and752.

[0125] Incidentally, as mentioned above, the intensity of feedingpressure generated by the buffing medium 720 to be fed to the wheel W isreduced as the buffing medium 710 is increasingly removed from thebuffing medium receiving container 710. Thus, even though a single kindof buffing medium 720 is employed, the surface of the wheel W can besubjected to rough buffing, and moreover, the surface of the wheel W cancontinuously be subjected to intermediate buffing and finish buffing.

[0126] After the discharged buffing medium 720 is completely dischargedbelow the zone located below the wheel W, i.e., after the interior ofthe buffing medium receiving container 710 become empty, the buffingmedium 720 is returned again to the buffing medium receiving container710 by using suitable means (not shown). Thereafter, the wheel W iscontinuously subjected again to rough buffing, intermediate buffing andfinish buffing. A practical extent attained by each buffing operationcan be changed by adding pressurized air or water so as to allow thebuffing medium 720 to be compressed by the pressurized air or water.

[0127] After the barrel buffing operation is completed, surfacetreatment such as coating, plating, alumite treatment or the like isconducted for the wheel W. All kind of usually available surfacetreatment process is employable for carrying out the foregoing surfacetreatment.

[0128] According to the first embodiment of the seventh invention, sincethe feeding of the buffing medium to the surface of the work is achievedattributable to the natural falling-down of the buffing medium, fewnoisy sound is generated, and moreover, a quantity of consumption ofenergy can be minimized.

[0129] In addition, according to the first embodiment of the seventhinvention, since the guide sleeve is arranged between the feeding portof the buffing medium receiving container and the surface of the work,the feeding of the buffing medium to the work can be achieved withoutany loss.

[0130] Additionally, when the buffing medium received in the buffingmedium receiving container can be compressed by using suitable means(not shown), a practical extent attained by each buffing operationperformed for the work can be changed.

[0131]FIG. 8 shows a barrel buffing apparatus constructed in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] In FIG. 8, reference numeral 78 designates a barrel buffingapparatus, and reference numeral 760 designates a driving section fordriving the barrel buffing apparatus 78. Reference numeral 761designates a cylindrical buffing medium receiving container, and thisbuffing medium receiving container 761 is mounted on the driving section760. The buffing medium receiving container 761 can be rotated about anaxis line of the driving section 760 in the circumferential direction byactuating the driving section 760. Reference numeral 762 designates abuffing medium, and this buffing medium is received in the buffingmedium receiving container 761. All kind of usually usable buffingmedium such as ceramic grain or the like can be employed for the buffingmedium 762. Incidentally, the buffing method can be practiced inaccordance with a wet type buffing process or a dry type buffingprocess.

[0133] Reference numeral 763 designates an upper end opening which isformed at the upper end of the buffing medium receiving container, andthe work W is dipped in the buffing medium 762 via the upper end opening763.

[0134] Next, reference numeral 770 designates a base board which isintegrated with the driving section 760, and reference numeral 771designates a supporting column which upright stands on the base board770. The supporting column 771 extends in the upward direction to reachthe substantially upper end of the buffing medium receiving container761.

[0135] Reference numeral 780 designates an attaching bracket, and thisattaching bracket 780 is arranged in such a manner as to swing on thesupporting column 771. Specifically, the attaching bracket 780 can swingabout a point O along the vertical surface. Reference numeral 790designates a supporting bed, and this supporting bed 790 is mounted onthe attaching bracket 780 via rotating means 781. Thus, the supportingbed 790 can swing along the vertical surface together with the attachingbracket 780, and moreover, the supporting bed 790 can turn or swingabout an axis line P by driving the rotating means 781.

[0136] Reference numeral 791 designates a supporting member, and thissupporting member 791 is arranged on the supporting bed 790 so as tomove in the forward/backward direction. In addition, reference numeral792 designates a supporting arm, and this supporting arm 792 is fittedto the supporting member 791 so as to move in the forward/backwarddirection relative to the supporting member 791. It should be noted thatthe forward/backward direction of the supporting arm 792 is coincidentwith the forward/backward direction of the supporting member 791.Reference character W designates a work (aluminum wheel usable forvehicle), and this work W is mounted on the foremost end of thesupporting ram 792 via an air chuck 793, whereby the work W is dipped inthe buffing medium 762 received in the buffing medium receivingcontainer 761.

[0137] Next, an operation of the buffing apparatus constructed in theabove-described manner will be described below.

[0138] Firstly, as shown by phantom lines (one-dot chain lines), thesupporting arm 792 is mounted such that the foremost end of thesupporting arm 792 is located directly above the supporting arm 792, andthereafter, this supporting arm 792 is retracted in the downwarddirection. While the foregoing state is maintained, the work W usablefor a vehicle or the like is mounted on the foremost end of thesupporting arm 792 by actuating the air chuck 793 so that the work W isfixedly mounted on the supporting arm 792 with the aid of the air chuck793. Thereafter, as shown by phantom lines (two-dot chain lines), thesupporting arm 792 is caused to extend in the upward direction.Subsequently, as shown by solid lines, the supporting arm 792 is causedto swing about the point O together with the supporting bed 790 alongthe vertical surface so that the wheel W is dipped in the buffing medium762 which is held in the flowing state. Incidentally, while the work Wis dipped in the buffing medium 762, the supporting arm 792 canfragmentarily be displaced with the swinging state maintained. Aftercompletion of the buffing operation, the supporting arm 792 is caused toswing about the point O in the opposite direction together with thesupporting member 791 and the supporting bed 790 along the verticalsurface, the supporting arm 792 is held to assume the upright state withthe foremost end thereof located directly above the supporting member791 as shown by phantom lines (two-dot chain lines), and thereafter, thesupporting arm 792 is displaced in the downward direction to assume thestate as shown by phantom lines (one-dot chain lines). While theforegoing state is maintained, the wheel W is disconnected from theforemost end of the supporting arm 792. Subsequently, the aforementionedoperational steps are repeated.

[0139] Incidentally, when soft material such as sponge, rubber, softplastic or the like is used in the form of grain or small block as abuffing material usable for the buffing apparatus 78, each finishbuffing operation can be performed at a high efficiency. Incidentally,soft material may be coated on the surface of each hard grain or hardsmall block so as to allow it to be used as this kind of buffing medium.

[0140] After completion of the barrel buffing operation, surfacetreatment such as coating, plating, alumite treatment is carried out forthe work W. All kind of normally employable surface treatment isinvolved in the concept of surface treatment as mentioned above.

[0141] The work W usable for practicing the first embodiment and thesecond embodiment of the seventh invention may be a work which ispreliminarily subjected to surface treatment, and alternatively, it maybe a work which is not subjected to any kind of surface treatment.

Embodiment of Eighth Invention

[0142]FIG. 9 shows a work supporting unit employable for a barrelbuffing apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of aneighth invention.

[0143] In FIG. 9, reference numeral 8B designates a barrel buffingapparatus, and reference numeral 860 designates a driving section fordriving the barrel buffing apparatus 8B. Reference numeral 861designates a cylindrical buffing medium receiving container, and thisbuffing medium receiving container 861 is mounted on the driving section860. The buffing medium receiving container 861 can be rotated about anaxis line of the driving section 860 in the circumferential direction byactuating the driving section 860. Reference numeral 862 designates abuffing medium, and this buffing medium 862 is received in the buffingmedium receiving container 861. All kind of usually available buffingmedium such as ceramic grain or the like can be employed for the buffingmedium 862. In addition, a wet type buffing process may be employed forthe buffing method, and alternatively, a dry type buffing process may beemployed for the buffing method.

[0144] Reference numeral 863 designates an upper end opening which isformed at the upper end of the buffing medium receiving container, and awork (aluminum wheel usable for vehicle or the like) W to be describedlater is dipped in the buffing medium 862 via the upper end opening 811.

[0145] Next, reference numeral 870 designates a base board which isintegrated with the driving section 860, and reference numeral 871designates a supporting column which upright stands on the base board870. The supporting column 870 is caused to extend in the upwarddirection to reach the substantially upper end of the buffing mediumreceiving container 861.

[0146] Reference numeral 880 designates an attaching bracket, and thisattaching bracket 880 is arranged so as to swing on the supportingcolumn 871. Specifically, the attaching bracket 880 can swing about apoint O along the vertical surface. Reference numeral 890 designates asupporting bed, and this supporting bed 890 is mounted on the attachingbracket 880 via rotating means 881. With this construction, thesupporting bed 890 can swing along the vertical surface together withthe attaching bracket 880, and moreover, it can turn or swing about anaxis line P by driving the rotating means 881.

[0147] Reference numeral 891 designates a supporting member, and thissupporting member 891 is arranged on the supporting bed 890 in such amanner as to enable it to move in the forward/backward direction. Inaddition, reference numeral 892 designates a supporting arm, and thissupporting arm 892 is fitted into the supporting member 891 in such amanner as to enable it to move in the forward/backward direction.Reference character W designates a work (aluminum wheel usable forvehicle or the like), and this work W is attached to the foremost end ofthe supporting arm 892 via an air chuck 893 so as to allow it to bedipped in the buffing medium 862 received in the buffing mediumreceiving container 861.

[0148] An operation of the buffing apparatus constructed in theaforementioned manner will be described below.

[0149] Firstly, as shown by phantom lines (one-dot chain lines), thesupporting arm 892 is mounted to assume the position where its upper endis located directly above the supporting member 891, and thereafter, itis retracted in the downward direction. While the foregoing state ismaintained, the wheel W is fixedly mounted on the upper end of thesupporting arm 892 with the aid of the air chuck 893. Thereafter, asshown by phantom lines (two-dot chain lines), the supporting arm 892 iscaused to extend in the upward direction. Then, as shown by solid lines,the supporting arm 892 is caused to swing about a point O together withthe supporting member 892 and the supporting bed 890 along the verticalsurface, whereby the wheel W is dipped in the buffing medium 852 whichis held in the flowing state in the buffing medium receiving container861. Incidentally, while the wheel W is dipped in the buffing medium862, the supporting arm 892 can fragmentally be displaced in thevibrative state. After completion of the buffing operation, thesupporting arm 892 is caused to swing about the point O in the oppositedirection together with the supporting bed 890 along the verticalsurface, and then, as shown by phantom lines (two-dot chain lines), thesupporting arm 892 is held so as to assume the position where theforemost end of the supporting arm 892 is located directly above thesupporting member 891. Thereafter, the supporting arm 892 is retractedin the downward direction to assume the state as represented by phantomlines (one-dot chain lines). While the foregoing state is maintained,the wheel W is disconnected from the foremost end of the supporting arm892. Subsequently, the aforementioned operational steps are repeated.

[0150] Incidentally, when soft material such as sponge, rubber, softplastic or the like is used as a buffing medium employable for thebuffing apparatus 8B, each finish buffing operation can be achieved at ahigh efficiency. Incidentally, soft material may be coated on thesurface of each hard grain or hard small block so as to allow the coatedhard grain or the coated hard small block to be used as a buffing mediumof the aforementioned type.

[0151] After completion of the barrel buffing operation, surfacetreatment such as coating, plating, alumite treatment or the like isconducted. All kind of normally available material is employable forachieving the surface treatment.

Embodiment of Ninth Invention

[0152]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a work supporting unitemployable for a barrel buffing apparatus constructed in accordance withan embodiment of a ninth invention wherein a work is held in the buffingstate, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the attached/detached stateof the work in the barrel buffing apparatus, FIG. 12 is an illustrativeview showing a forward/backward displacing mechanism for a worksupporting arm in the work supporting unit, and FIG. 13 is anillustrative view showing a rotating mechanism for a reversing plate inthe work supporting unit.

[0153] In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, reference numeral 9B designates a barrelbuffing apparatus, and reference numeral 910 designates a base board forthe barrel buffing apparatus 9B. Reference numeral 920 designates abuffing medium receiving container, and this buffing medium receivingcontainer 920 is mounted on the base board 910. The buffing mediumreceiving container 920 is designed to exhibit a cylindricalconfiguration so that it can be rotated about an axis line thereof inthe circumferential direction by actuating suitable driving means (notshown). Reference numeral 921 designates a buffing medium, and thisbuffing medium 921 is received in the buffing medium receiving container920. All kind of normally available material such as ceramic grain orthe like can be used. Incidentally, a wet type buffing process may beused for practicing a buffing method, and alternatively, a dry buffingprocess may be used for practicing the buffing method.

[0154] Reference numeral 922 designates an upper end opening which isformed at the upper end of the buffing medium receiving container 920,and a work (aluminum wheel usable for vehicle or the like) W to bedescribed later is dipped in the buffing medium 921 via the upper endopening 922.

[0155] Next, reference numeral 911 designates a supporting frame, andthis supporting frame 911 upright stands on the base board 910. Thesupporting frame 911 is caused to extend in the upward direction toreach the substantially upper end of the buffing medium receivingcontainer 920.

[0156] Reference numeral 930 designates a reversing plate, and thisreversing plate 930 is turnably mounted on the supporting frame 911 viaa rotational shaft 931. This reversing plate 930 can be turned withinthe range of about 180° on the basis of rotation of the rotational shaft931 (i.e. within the range defined by the state shown in FIG. 10 and thestate shown in FIG. 11). In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, a firstdriving motor 932 is mounted on the supporting frame 911. While therotational force of the motor 932 is reduced in the decelerated state,the foregoing rotational force is transmitted from a pulley 933 of thefirst driving motor 932 to a pulley 935 of the rotational shaft 931 viaa V belt 934, whereby the reversing plate 930 can reciprocably be turnedwithin the range of about 180°.

[0157] Reference numeral 940 designates a supporting bed, and thissupporting bed 940 is fixed to the reversing plate 930 via a pair ofbrackets 941. This supporting plate 940 is mounted on the supportingframe 911 in the forwardly inclined state (it is assumed that the foreend side of a work supporting arm 960 to be described later isrepresented as a forward direction). It should be noted that theinclination angle of the supporting bed 940 can be adjusted. of thesupporting bed 940 so as to move in the forward/backward direction alongthe inclined surface of the supporting plate 940. This slide plate 950can be displaced relative to the supporting bed 940 in theforward/backward direction by actuating a bolt/nut mechanism 95.Incidentally, reference numeral 9511 designates a bolt portion in thebolt/nut mechanism 95 arranged on the rear surface of the supporting bed940, and reference numeral 9512 designates a pair of nut portionsarranged on the slide plate 950. When a second driving motor 952 isdriven, causing the bolt portion 9511 to be rotated, the nut portions9511, i.e., the slide plate 950 are displaced in the forward/backwarddirection by way of threadable engagement of the bolt portion 9511 withthe nut portions 9512.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 again, reference numeral 96designates a work supporting arm, and as shown in FIG. 12, this worksupporting arm 960 is caused to project from the slide plate 950. A work(aluminum wheel usable for vehicle or the like) W is detachably attachedto the foremost end of the work supporting arm 960 with the aid of anair chuck (not shown) so that the work W is dipped in the buffing medium821 received in the buffing medium receiving container 920. In addition,a third driving motor 961 is mounted on the slide plate 950. The worksupporting arm 960 can be rotated about an axis line thereof bytransmitting the rotational force of the third driving motor 961 to thework supporting arm 960 in the decelerated state. Incidentally, the worksupporting arm 960 can intermittently be rotated in the normal directionas well as in the reverse direction.

[0159] An operation of the buffing apparatus will be described below.

[0160] Firstly, as shown in FIG. 11, the reversing plate 930 is arrangedoutside of the buffing medium receiving container 920 by driving thefirst driving motor 932, causing the rotational shaft 931 to be rotated(refer to the state as represented by phantom lines in FIG. 13). At thistime, the fore end part of the work supporting arm 960 assumes anupwardly inclined state. While this state is maintained, an operatorplaces the work W on the foremost end of the supporting arm 960 so as toallow it to be fixed to the supporting arm 960.

[0161] Thereafter, the reversing plate 30 is located inside of thebuffing medium receiving container 920 by driving the first drivingmotor 932, causing the rotational shaft 931 to be rotated, whereby thewheel W is dipped in the buffing medium 921 held in the buffing mediumreceiving container 920 in the flowing state. Incidentally, while thewheel W is held in the buffing medium 921 in the dipped state, the worksupporting arm 960 can fragmentarily be displaced in the vibrativestate. After completion of the buffing operation, the reversing plate930 is located outside of the buffing medium receiving container 920 bydriving the first driving motor 932, causing the rotational shaft 931 tobe rotated. At this time, the fore end part of the work supporting arm960 assumes an upwardly inclined state. While this state is maintained,the operator disconnects the wheel W from the work supporting arm 960,and thereafter, he places a next work on the work supporting shaft 960so as to allow the next work to be fixed to the work supporting arm 960.

[0162] Incidentally, when soft material such as sponge, rubber, softplastic or the like is used in the buffing apparatus 9B as a buffingmedium, each finish buffing operation can be achieved at a highefficiency. Further, soft material may be coated on the surface of eachhard grain or each hard small block. The coated hard grain or the coatedhard small block can be used as a buffing medium of the aforementionedtype.

[0163] After the barrel buffing operation is completed, surfacetreatment such as coating, plating, alumite treatment or the like iscarried out for the work, All kind of usually available surfacetreatment is involved in the concept of surface treatment.

[0164] While the present invention has been described above with respectto preferred embodiments of first invention to eighth invention thereof,it should be noted that the present invention should not be limited onlyto these preferred embodiments but various change or modification may bemade without departure from the scope of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of practicing a wet type buffing processby way of a series of wet type buffing steps, wherein a final buffingstep in said plurality of buffing steps is practiced in a buffing liquidhaving alkality, and buffing steps to be practiced before said finalbuffing step are practiced in another buffing liquid having acidity. 2.A method of conducting deposition plating, wherein a work is subjectedto wet buffing after said work is subjected to dry buffing, andthereafter, said deposition plating is conducted for a surface of saidwork to be buffed.
 3. A method of buffing a work, wherein said work issubjected to dry buffing after a surface of said work to be buffed issubjected to barrel buffing, and thereafter, said work is subjected towet buffing.
 4. A method of buffing a work, wherein said work issubjected to dry buffing after a surface of said work to be buffed issubjected to barrel buffing, thereafter, said work is subjected tobarrel buffing, and subsequently, said work is subjected to wet buffing.5. A method of buffing a work, wherein said work is subjected to drybuffing after a surface of said work is subjected to barrel buffing,thereafter, said work is subjected to barrel buffing, subsequently, saidwork is subjected to wet buffing, and finally, said work is subjected tobarrel buffing.
 6. A method of practicing a wet type buffing process byallowing a work to be subjected to buffing with the aid of a buffingwheel while a buffing liquid is fed between the buffing surface of therotating buffing wheel and a surface of said work to be buffed, whereinsaid work is buffed in the vacuum atmosphere or in the nitrogen gasatmosphere during said wet type buffing process.
 7. A method ofpracticing a wet type buffing process by allowing a work to be subjectedto buffing with the aid of a buffing wheel while a buffing liquid is fedbetween the buffing surface of said buffing wheel and a surface of saidwork to be buffed, wherein said surface of said work to be buffed issubjected to buffing while nitrogen gas is fed to said surface of saidwork to be buffed.
 8. An apparatus for buffing a work while a shaft isfitted to a buffing wheel, and then, said shaft is rotated about an axisline of said shaft, wherein a disconnection preventive member isdisposed at the foremost end of said shaft, the outside of said buffingwheel is brought in contact with said disconnection preventive member, atightening nut is threadably engaged with the inside of said buffingwheel, and said buffing wheel is tightly fixed to said shaft bythreadably displacing said nut along said shaft.
 9. The apparatus forbuffing a work as claimed in claim 8 , wherein a diameter enlarged partis formed around the periphery of a shaft hole on the outside of saidbuffing wheel so as to enable said disconnection preventive member to bereceived in said diameter enlarged part.
 10. An apparatus for buffing awork in a barrel, wherein said apparatus includes a buffing mediumreceiving container having a buffing medium received therein and a workadapted to be vibrated, said buffing medium receiving container includesan upper end opening, a buffing medium feeding port is formed at thebottom of said upper end opening, said work is located below saidbuffing medium feeding port, and said buffing medium can continuously befed to the surface of said work while said work is vibrated.
 11. Theapparatus for buffing a work in a barrel as claimed in claim 10 ,wherein a guide sleeve is arranged between said buffing medium feedingport of said buffing medium receiving container and the surface of saidwork.
 12. The apparatus for buffing a work in a barrel as claimed inclaim 11 , wherein said guide sleeve is vibrated integrally with saidwork.
 13. The apparatus for buffing a work in a barrel as claimed inclaim 11 or claim 12 , wherein said buffing medium received in saidbuffing medium receiving container can be compressed by using suitablemeans.
 14. A method of conducting surface treatment, wherein saidsurface treatment is conducted after a work is subjected to barrelbuffing before said surface treatment or after said surface treatment.15. The method of conducting surface treatment as claimed in claim 14 ,wherein barrel buffing is conducted with the use of a barrel buffingapparatus including a buffing medium receiving container having abuffing medium received therein and a work adapted to be vibrated, saidbuffing medium receiving container includes an upper end opening, abuffing medium feeding port is formed at the bottom of said buffingmedium receiving container, said work is located below said buffingmedium feeding port, and said buffing medium received in said buffingmedium receiving container can continuously be fed to the surface ofsaid work while said work is vibrated.
 16. The method of conductingsurface treatment as claimed in claim 14 , wherein barrel buffing isconducted with the use of a barrel buffing apparatus including a buffingmedium receiving container having a buffing medium received therein anda work supporting arm, said buffing medium receiving container includesan upper end opening, and the upper end part of said work supporting armcan vibratively be displaced from the position located substantiallydirectly above said upper end opening along the vertical surface withinthe range defined by said buffing medium receiving container.
 17. Themethod of conducting surface treatment as claimed in claim 16 , whereinsaid work supporting arm can turnably be displaced in the horizontaldirection.
 18. The method of conducting surface treatment as claimed inclaim 16 or claim 17 , wherein said work supporting arm can forwardlyand backwardly be displaced in the axial direction.
 19. The method ofconducting surface treatment as claimed in any one of claim 14 to claim18 , wherein said surface treatment is coating.
 20. The method ofconducting surface treatment as claimed in any one of claim 14 to claim18 , wherein said surface treatment is plating.
 21. The method ofconducting surface treatment as claimed in any one of claim 14 to claim18 , wherein said surface treatment is alumite treatment.
 22. The methodof conducting surface treatment as claimed in any one of claim 14 toclaim 21 , wherein said work is a wheel usable for a vehicle or thelike.
 23. An apparatus for supporting a work for a barrel buffingapparatus, wherein said apparatus includes a buffing medium receivingcontainer having a buffing medium received therein and a work supportingarm, said buffing medium receiving container includes an upper endopening, and said work supporting arm can turnably be displaced from theposition located substantially directly above said upper end openingwithin the range defined by said buffing medium receiving containeralong the vertical surface.
 24. The apparatus for supporting a work fora barrel buffing apparatus as claimed in claim 23 , wherein said worksupporting arm can turnably be displaced in the horizontal direction.25. The apparatus for supporting a work for a barrel buffing apparatusas claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 , wherein said work supporting armcan forwardly and backwardly be displaced in the axial direction.
 26. Abuffing medium usable for a buffing apparatus, wherein said buffingmedium is composed of grain of soft material or small block of said softmaterial.
 27. An apparatus for supporting a work for a barrel buffingapparatus, wherein said apparatus includes a buffing medium receivingcontainer having a buffing medium received therein and a work supportingarm, said buffing medium receiving container includes an upper endopening, said work supporting arm is arranged at the position tortuouslylocated relative to a rotational shaft, said work supporting arm canturnably be displaced about said rotational shaft within the range ofabout 180° from said buffing medium receiving container, and the foreend part of said work supporting arm assumes a downwardly inclined statein the forward direction when said work supporting arm is located on thebuffing medium receiving container side.
 28. The apparatus forsupporting a work for a barrel buffing apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said work supporting arm can forwardly and backwardly bedisplaced in the axial direction.
 29. The apparatus for supporting awork for a barrel buffing apparatus as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 ,wherein a tortuous angle of said work supporting arm relative to saidrotational shaft can be adjusted.